Newbie buys Elan 26/4388 needing TLC HELP!

[lotusbaz]

Hello Everyone,

I have just bought an Elan S2 chassis number 26/4388 which has not been on the road for the last fifteen years and is in need of some TLC. The good points are that it is almost complete and the engine is running very sweetly with good oil pressure. The bad points are that there are no brakes or clutch and the majority of the trim is missing. The original colour was green and the original registration number was MTB 998C. Anyone remember it? It is fitted with Minilite wheels but i have the originals.

I am sure to have lots of queries over the next few months so i hope i can rely on this forum to provide the answers! I would like to have the sorted in time for the 50th celebrations next year.

Best regards from Tyneside, Baz


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Lotus elite 501

[trw99]

Baz

Welcome and well done on your new purchase. From the records your car was invoiced on 8 Feb 1965 with engine number LP2070.

Ring up and make friends with Susan Miller (http://www.mickmillerlotus.com/intro.html) as she will be able to be most helpful with parts for your car.

Hope to see you at Donington; come along to the Club Lotus Elan Section stand.

Tim

[types26/36]

Welcome to Type 26 ownership Baz........a very exclusive part of the part of the Elan.net forum
As well as this forum, the type 26 register is a mine of information http://www.type26register.com/ although I am not sure if it is still active.

[Elanintheforest]

Hi Baz
It's worth buying Brian Buckland's excellent book on the Elan as well....this should point you in the right direction.

The S1 / S2 cars are very worthwhile restoring properly, getting all the right bits and pieces for them. If your dash top (crashpad) is good take extra care with it....they are irreplacable currently, at least with anything that fits!

You will be able to get the trim parts if not via the Type 26 register, then via Paul Matty, who had an arrangement with the Type 26 register to sell the parts they were getting re-made.

Your car would look so much better with the original wheels and hub caps fitted back on.....and all red (or green or blue or....any one colour!) with silver bumpers.

What plans do you have for the car?

Mark

Mark

[lotusbaz]

Hello Again,

Many thanks for all of your comments. I already have my tickets for the Club Lotus show at Donnington and hopefully will have had the time to produce a shopping list!

My initial thoughts are to sort the brakes, clutch and whatever else to allow it to pass an MOT and then to use it for a short time as i am sure other problems will arise. My own personal preference would be to return the car to its original specification, colour etc. I realise that there are probably many upgrades that could be done but if the car was OK for Lotus in 1965 then it is OK for me now. I am certainly a long past being a boy racer and far too old for any track days.

I have restored a few cars, Jaguar, Alvis, TR in recent years and have won a few concours events but this is my first GRP bodied car so i am always happy to listen to any comments or advise.

Best Regards, Baz

[Verve]

Wow Baz !

I have Elan S2 number 4385 ... we`ve done a lot of the tlc already ... new Lotus Chassis , rebuilt running gear , engine etc etc .... just ready for paint & trim now .

We keep meaning to finish it , or advertise it ... and don`t get time for either at the moment !o!

Good Luck with your project ... it might motivate us to get back on with mine ... or let someone else finish it in time for next years 50th celebration ; ) .

Cheers ,

Paul .

[fjcoopelan]

Beside buying Brian Buckland's book, which is a must, look for him at the Club Lotus event at Donington. He will be there,health permitting.

Foster